Birth rate falls due to greater access to education for women, preferences for smaller families, a lower infant mortality rates, increased personal wealth, compulsory schooling (more expensive to have children) and the availability of family planning.

Stage 4 (Low Fluctuating Stage)

Period of low birth and death rates, both of which fluctuate. Population growth is small and fertility continues to fall.

Significant changes in personal lifestyles. There are more women in the workforce, many people have large personal incomes and leisure interests.

Stage 5 (decline)

Death rate slightly exceeds birth rate causing population decline. Has only been seen in recent years in some Western European countries.

Reasons for low birth rate include greater financial independence of women, concern about the impact of increased population and its strain on resources, an increased death rate due to an aging population, a rise in the concept of childlessness, and an increase in same-sex relationships.